The UK and Germany have announced plans to deepen collaboration on quantum technologies, backed by a £14m funding package, UKTN can exclusively reveal.
The deal was secured as part of a suite of science and tech announcements that have come following a state visit to the UK from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier this week.
As part of the agreement, £6m of joint funding has been announced to support quantum research and development, with an additional £8m investment in Fraunhofer UK’s photonics centre in Glasgow also announced.
“Quantum technology will revolutionise fields such as cybersecurity, drug discovery, medical imaging, and much more and international collaboration is crucial to unlocking these benefits,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance.
“With its deep R&D expertise, top-tier skills and world leading institutions, Germany is a natural partner to the UK in these efforts. This is work that will not only advance the bounds of knowledge, but will support stronger economies, better jobs and healthy secure societies, in both our countries.”
A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Germany’s Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) that commits the institutions to develop shared quantum standards.
The deal also further cements the UK’s existing status as the largest European research partner of Germany.
